As we slide into the month of December, many people have already begun a “mental vacation” and tend to get irresponsible and careless with their health. Instead of using the time to relax, reconnect with family and be thankful for the previous year, some will take the exact opposite approach.
They will say: What’s the harm in a couple months of over-eating, sugar, egg-nog, not exercising, missing adjustments and sleep loss? I’ll just make up for it in January with my New Year’s Resolution, after all: it’s the holiday season!
Of course, they forget the average resolution lasts only 4.5 days…
Big deal or no big deal? Well, by living this way every holiday season for 20 years until age 40, you will have spent 40 months (3.3 years) doing serious, possibly irreparable damage to your body!
Unfortunately, what most people don’t realize is that this may be the single most important time of the year to be focused on your health!
So what do you do? The best defense is a good offense: Instead of depriving yourself of all the fun, you must do MORE for your health, NOT LESS! For example:
* If you typically exercise four days per week, exercise five days per week!
* If you get adjusted twice per month, visit your chiropractor three or four times during the month of December!
* If you typically “pig out” once a week, hold off and do it every two weeks!
* If you usually function on 6-8 hours of nightly sleep, give yourself 8-10 hours instead.
While you may not be able to pull this off 100%, you will find that at least you won’t fall off the wagon from your existing plan!
Happy holidays!
- Dr. Chris Chatzoglou, D.C.
PS. Here are some extra health-saving tips from Dr. BJ Hardick in London, ON, author of Maximized Living 
Nutrition Plans:
Exercise
Cardiovascular exercise, weight training, and yoga can reduce the level of stress hormones in your body, allowing you to cope more easily. It is also a great way to make a little time for you.
Avoid sugar
Sugar increases symptoms of irritability and anxiety in many people and weakens the immune system. It has also been found to diminish infection fighting white blood cell count for up to six hours after consumption. The holidays are the time for sweet treats, but try not to overdo it.
Drink enough water
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of headache, fatigue, joint pain and stiffness. Alcoholic beverages are dehydrating, so increase your intake of fresh, plain water.
Make a list and check it twice
A hectic schedule means that being organized and planning ahead is more important than ever. If you are laying in bed at night worrying about all the things you have to do, get up and make a “to do” list. It will help to clear your mind and get you back to sleep.
Get enough sleep
Being well rested will allow you to have the energy to cope with the day’s stresses. Be sure to get at least 7 to 8 hours a night. You’ll find you have more energy and are able to get even more done in a shorter amount of time.
Chiropractic Adjustments
The worst cause of subluxation this time of year may not be physical stress, but psycho-emotional stress which can take an even greater toll on your alignment, and therefore your nerve system. Weekly adjustments this time of year will keep you going and maintain your brain-body connection at 100%.
Laughter is the best therapy
It may be a cliche, but it’s a cliche that is actually true. People who laugh on a daily basis rate the stress in their life as lower and enjoy better health. Rent a movie if you have to … do what it takes!
{ 2 comments… read them below or add one }
My goodness, I never thought of the lead up to christmas and new year as a build up of years. 3.3 years of your life eating and drinking too much.
I am just back from a holiday and have decided to detox for December – people think i am crazy to do this before Christmas – after reading your article – i am now even more determined!
@Linda:
That is awesome! Thanks for your input.
CHRIS.